LARRY WALSH

Although funding for the position of Aboriginal Cultural Officer was cut in 1998, due to restructuring of the way Aboriginal Affairs Victoria applied its funding, Larry Walsh has remained in the cultural field, working tirelessly for issues important to the Aboriginal community at the Living Museum and elsewhere.

Larry remains connected to the Museum as an Associate. He regularly gives talks to groups and is asked for his input on many projects. The demand for Larry's unique ability to convey an understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal cultural position is constant. Many of the projects now being carried out by local councils, in the name of reconciliation, can be clearly traced to Larry's earlier work in identifying the presence of a local Aboriginal community in Melbourne's western region.

For example, the healing garden project being organised through Maribyrnong City Council. 40 Aboriginal people met at the Living Museum in October to discuss themes and sites for the garden. There have also been several meetings at the Council offices. As part of the reconciliation process the garden aims to be a healing place for the land and the people in it.

This year, without a regular position, Larry has been moving around working with several groups, with occasional visits to a new home in the mountains to recuperate. A major part of his work has been with Friends of the Earth in bringing Aboriginal groups and 'greenies' together in the fight for preservation of indigenous forests.

He has also been giving talks at the Museum to groups and individuals. One of the more pleasurable events was a night with scouts from Essendon and Bacchus Marsh by the campfire in the History of the Land Gardens under a fullish moon where Larry told a series of entertaining Aboriginal stories. It was magic.

The issues of being one of the 'Stolen Children' go on. During this year Larry was reunited with a sister he has not seen for 23 years.